news LUVERNE — Blue Mounds State Park will re-open Monday following flood damage that forced the park to close on June 18, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
“Our staff has done an exceptional job of making repairs and stabilizing the park,” said Kathy Dummer, southern region operations...
Worthington, 56187

Worthington Minnesota 300 11th Street / P.O. Box 639 56187

2014-07-10 20:32:39

LUVERNE — Blue Mounds State Park will re-open Monday following flood damage that forced the park to close on June 18, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.

“Our staff has done an exceptional job of making repairs and stabilizing the park,” said Kathy Dummer, southern region operations manager for the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Although there is more work to do, we are ready to welcome visitors.”

The campground, interpretive center, climbing area and all trails except the Mound Creek Trail will open.

Campers will be able to make reservations at the park by visiting www.mndnr.gov/reservations, or by calling 1-866-857-2757 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The swimming area will continue to be closed as DNR engineers decide how to address the damaged spillway and dam.

The park received nearly 11 inches of rain during two storms June 14-17. Excessive stormwater runoff, rapidly rising waters and accompanying debris in Blue Mounds Creek damaged many areas of the park, including roads, trails, bison fence and the spillway connected to the dam on Lower Mound Lake.

In spite of the damage, no visitors to the park were injured. The park’s bison herd weathered the storms and remain in good health.

The park also continues to resolve the discovery of E.coli bacteria in the park’s water system earlier this spring, Drummer said. Flush toilets are available, but the park’s showers and sinks are closed. Water spigots within the campground and park are tagged as unsafe to use.

Campers and visitors are encouraged to bring their own water. The cities of Pipestone and Luverne both have trailer dump stations. Campers can fill up water tanks at those locations for no charge. Camden, Split Rock and Lake Shetek state parks have also all agreed to provide water to fill campers.

Updates and more information on the park can be found at www.mndnr.gov/bluemounds. Questions can be directed to the park office at (507) 283-6051.